The astronomical basis
A lunation runs from one new moon to the next in about 29.53 days. The phase depends on the angle between Sun, Earth, and Moon. It is a geometry of reflected light, not the Moon changing shape.
Field guide
Moon Phases
A visible cycle for pacing attention
Moon phases are changes in how sunlight reaches the Moon as it orbits Earth. In reflective practice, that observable rhythm can provide a useful structure for beginning, tending, assessing, and releasing without pretending the Moon makes decisions for us.
The symbolic layer
Many traditions associate waxing light with development and waning light with simplification. Treat these as prompts rather than laws. A deadline, body, family, or season may ask for a different pace.
A grounded practice
Choose one question at the new moon, note one concrete action near first quarter, review what is visible at full moon, and remove one unnecessary obligation while the light wanes.
A practice
Try it without forcing an answer.
Observe the Moon at roughly the same time for seven nights. Record only what you can see before adding an interpretation.